The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-11-12
SUCH A COMFORT.

Be-
was wonder she could talk under the
circumstances; but, as every new,
nothing short of the lockjaw could have
quite stopped the flow of Mrs. Simpsons
conversation.
eyes, my DEAR" she went on; "they are
all real smart, except Kitty. Name,
she's a master hand at pickles and pre-
serves; Loisy's just splendid at the piano;
and Clara took every prize there was
when she was at school. But that little
brown-syed Kitty isn't good for thing
in the world, except to help other folks"
Ella gave Mrs. Simpsons arm a sharp
nudge. Her back was to the door; and
she did not see, as startled Ella did, a
little figure in blue checked gingham
dress, with white apron and broad
brimmed hat, standing on the lilac-shad-
ed porch, basket of roses in her hands.
Had Kitty heard the criticism OF the
free. spoken? Perhaps, and perhaps not.
II her rosy cheeks were trifle redder
than usual, it might have been the walk
in the sun that made them so. Ii her
eyes were bright and wide open that was
nothing new. Kitty Richter always look
ed you straight in the face, and she had
beautiful eyes.
Mrs. Simpson wished she had not
spoke so loudly, and Ella felt embar-
raised; but Kitty came in with very
cheerful "good morning"
1--WE have 30 many roses that felt as
if we ought to share them with our
friends" she said simply. SO brought
over some for your grandma. May l go
up to her room?"
"Of course" said Ella. Grandma is
rather neglected in these days. She'll be
glad of visitor"
In the stir of preparation for the first
wedding in the family, grandma was in
deed little neglected. She was feeling
very lonely as she sat by herself in her
chair by the window, her knitting on a
stand, her old worn hands folded on her
lap. Nobody had come near her since
morning; and she was too feeble to go
about the house, as she had been used to
doing in her active days. 1t is very hard
for an aged person to realize that Others
can do without her; that in the world
where she was once of Importance, she
has no longer any particular work to do.
II don't feel as if could stand it much
longer" the poor, tired old lady was say
ing to herself, when, after soft little
tap at the door, Kitty Richter came in
with her roses. She brought a perfect
sheaf of sunshine. The roses flooded the
room with fragrance.
'Let me have them in my hands,
child" exclaimed the flower loving wo-
man, touching the beautiful flowers ten
derby.
"Beck Lee" your grandma, Kitty,
that's been dead these twenty years,
planted the white rose bush byyour sitting
room window; and I was there the day
she did it. Myl how time fiesl That's
right, dearie Put them in the old china
bowl, and I'll have them where l can see
them and smell them all day, Roses are
company when they bring old times to
mind"
Kitty was stepping lightly about, dust
ing, arranging removing the disorderly
look which had worried grandma's soul.
She brought the old lady clean cap
and kerchief, brushed the thick gray
hair and fastened it in a comfortable
knot, and finally said good-by, after hav-
ing told all the good news OF the village.
''That's a dear Child" said grandma
Raeburn, as she began to knit, quite
cheered by this Whit from the outside
world. "May God bless herl She's not
too busy to look after an old body like
me-"
Kitty Richter went her way homewsrd
with little ache In her heart. So that
was what people thought of her. She
wasn't particularly credit to her family.
Well, what OF it? She fought with the
disconnected, hurt feeling, which for the
moment she could not help, and chided
herself for having it. Was she sorry the
others were more gifted than herself?
''Kitty Richter, you ought to be asham-
ed" she said. "Are you envying Clara
and Lou, your own sisters?"
The little maiden tripped along, and
entered her own home, to find the nota-
BILE Mary-Mame as Mrs. Simpson called
her-laid up with one of her worst sick
headaches.
"Mary can never take things moderate
ly," complained Mrs. Richter. "She crowds
two days work into one, and then has
spell of illness. Your Uncle LENS at
the barn with father, Kitty; and must
see to getting tea. Louisa won't sit with
Mary. She's provoked because shs has
to give up practicing on account OF this
headache. Seems as though everything
was contrary some days."
Never mind, mother. 1t will all be
right by-and-by," said Kitty soothingly.
'I'll take care Of Mary, and you can have
an easy tea. There's half of that jelly
cake in the pantry, and Aunt Susy sent